30 work from home apps to help you make money

shopkick “Kicks” offers many ways to earn. You can collect kicks for checking in to a store, shopping through their featured deals, or scanning and entering the price of a specific item at a specific store. One thing I really like about this app is that in addition to earning kicks for checking in at JCPenney, the app can also have an in-store coupon available that will earn me extra kicks if I redeem it. I love a good coupon! Especially when they show up on my phone.

jingit Allows you to earn money for viewing ads and taking surveys. Redeem your cash to a Zingit Visa debit card, bank account or buy eGift cards from Zingit partners.

Slidejoy Also will pay you to view ads. When you unlock your smartphone you will have the opportunity to engage an ad. It is only available for Android users.

Easyshift It is only available for iPhone users and pays you for completing small tasks or shifts Each shift pays $2 to $20 and is paid within 48 hours of completion.

Being healthy is a great opportunity to make extra money if you’re trying to lose weight. Place a “bet” on whether and how much you will lose. If you meet your goals, you get paid. Some people have made over $4,000 while staying accountable and motivated to lose weight.

Like earning cash by viewing ads and filling out short surveys? Here are some more legit apps to download.

Money-saving app

Saving money is as good as making money in my book.

Ebbets One of my favorite extra money-makers. Earn cash back for online shopping. They have one of the most lucrative refer-a-friend programs.

Redledger This is a great app to find you the best price before you shop. And it examines retailers at both the online and local levels.

Retail Another site I use often. They list some of the best coupons for nearby online retailers. Their app will allow you to find coupons that can be redeemed in stores It will also alert you to any nearby sales.

coupon.com You can also link up all of your store loyalty cards so you can show your smartphone to the cashier instead of digging through your wallet for a physical card. You can also load digital coupons onto your card.

gas friend – It has been almost a year, just started as a website. The app finds the cheapest gas near your location.

Target Cartwheel – This only works at Target but it lets you scan items to check out special offers.

Shopping app to earn money

SavingStar – I love this app and have been using it for a year or two. It links to your store loyalty card so there’s no scanning receipts when you get home. They call their savings eCoupons – and they look like coupons – but you’re really getting cash back as opposed to savings at the register. You can get your cash by PayPal, bank deposit, Amazon gift card or charitable donation.

Besides SavingStar, I have several other grocery shopping apps on my phone that work similarly. For this you need to scan your grocery store receipt. But it only takes seconds and that cash back adds up quickly. And, you don’t have to pick just one! Use them on every trip for maximum effect.

Moby – I have a love/hate relationship with Moby. I love them because they offer Starbucks stores (I’ll happily help them cut that bill). I hate them because they apparently “can’t read your location” when I’m home. I’m one of those crazy planning people, so that doesn’t bother me.

Mobee has more of a community-feel and you can participate in challenges to earn extra points.

Gigwalk – Most of the ones I’ve found with the GigWalk app pay around $10 for store audits. I much prefer “mystery shopper” activities as opposed to checking in with customer service to tell them what you’re doing there.

Field Agent – This is a simple app that allows you to find and complete tasks from your smartphone. I live in rural Nebraska and there are stores and audits available in the town where I get my groceries. That’s convenient. Jobs typically pay $2-$15. You won’t make a killing here, but you can pick up some extra cash while you run your normal errands. Payment is made through PayPal or Dwolla.

iSecretShop – If you’ve ever been a mystery shopper, you’re going to love this one. Many major player stores are listed in this app. This makes it great for on-the-go shop grabs – when you’re ready, willing and mindful. I also like that it allows you to choose “back up jobs” that someone has already claimed but you can be put on the list if they come back. You can find jobs near me and close to home. Don’t forget to fill out extended profiles and accept MSP contracts for the companies you want to work with

Awardable – Take a photo or answer a few questions while doing your grocery shopping to earn some extra cash.

Managing your finances

Most banks today have an app available to customers to check balances on the go. I recommend the following to learn about your big picture financial planning.

• Mint.com
• Reward Wallet – This nifty tool helps track those credit card rewards, frequent flyer miles and more. How cool is that?!

This tip isn’t an app, but do you know where you’re throwing money away? Take this 7 day challenge from Brightpeak Financial To find out.